people because of the lockdown. fewer people commuting. that is true. stay in and stay safe that will do it for us. a live look at the bay bridge into san francisco. a beautiful shot to start your monday morning. make it a great day. thanks for making us a part of your morning. good morning. covid crackdown. new restrictions from coast to coast to handle the latest coronavirus surge. 33 million facing new stay-at-home orders out west. >> we need to do everything we can to stem the tide. >> but hope on the horizon. overnight the first doses of the pfizer vaccine arrive at hospitals in the uk. the fda preparing to decide its fate here in the u.s. this week. >> this is not just a worst public health event. this is the worst event that this country will face. >> just ahead, where things stand at the start of a critical week in the pandemic.

hospitalized. rudy giuliani, the president's personal attorney, testing positive for the virus at georgetown university medical center this morning. the effort to trace his footsteps after he appeared at multiple public events without a mask. even the arizona legislature now having to shut down. battleground georgia. the president down south for a rally in republicans crucial runoff. the candidates holding debates over the weekend but one a no-show. >> your senator is refusing to answer questions and debate his opponent. >> who holds the upper hand in the battle for the control of the senate straight ahead. mystery solved. a new report out on what may have caused strange illnesses in american diplomats living overseas. could a series of targeted microwave attack be the cause? >> i had ringing in my ears and knew something was wrong with me. >> an exclusive interview with a cia officer still suffering

three years later. power problems. a strong weekend nor'easter, the first of the season, leaving hundreds of thousands in the dark. we'll have the latest, plus the next storm al is already tracking. those stories, plus sunday night rally. >> and into the end zone, touchdown! >> kansas city clinches a spot in the playoffs with a comeback win over denver. and our own nbc makes his nfl debut. >> and that number, by the way, could grow soon. >> steve kornacki in the zone, today, monday, december 7th, 2020. >> announcer: from nbc news, this is "today" with savannah guthrie and hoda kotb, from studio 1a in rockefeller plaza. hi, everybody, good morning. it's the beginning of a new week. we're glad to have you with us. happy monday. >> we have a lot to get to.

we begin with the covid crisis, the country dealing with a holiday season surge in cases resulting in new lockdowns. but there's also new hope this week. >> absolutely. the fda will hold that hearing on pfizer's vaccine and the uk is ready to begin its immunization program already. we've got it covered for you. let's get started. nbc national correspondent miguel almaguer in los angeles where that new stay-at-home order is in effect. miguel, good morning. >> reporter: savannah, good morning. here in los angeles the city has seen more covid cases in the past week than it did in all of october. just a staggering number. the state now has more than 10,000 people hospitalized with coronavirus. that spike is why right now 85% of the state's residents are being asked to stay inside unless absolutely necessary. overnight, over 33 million californians ordered to lockdown as coronavirus cases across the state soar and the number of

available icu beds fall. >> we need to do everything we can to stem the tide. >> reporter: the three-week order, now in place for much of northern, central and southern california, prohibits in-person dining and gatherings, restricts all store capacity to 20%, and shutters salons, playgrounds and museums. the rules met with pushback from some small business owners. angela markson owns a restaurant in sherman oaks, california, where a movie company set up a dining area just from her space where she's not allowed to serve. and going viral. >> i'm losing everything. everything i own is being taken away from me. they set up a movie company right next to my outdoor patio. >> reporter: and defiance from those expected to enforce them. the sheriff's of orange and riverside counties saying they won't enforce the state's new stay-at-home orders. >> the riverside county

sheriff's department will not be blackmailed, bullied or used as muscle against residents in the enforcement of the governor's orders. >> reporter: still, for those on the pandemic's front lines, the mandates are crucial. >> we could be risking a situation where people will die unnecessarily simply because we don't have the level of hospital care to take care of them. >> reporter: with pfizer's covid vaccine expected to be approved for emergency use as early as this week, top doctors are adamant it's too soon to ease up. >> the vaccine is critical, but it's not going to save us from this current surge. only we can save us from this current surge. this is not just the worst public health event, this is the worst event that this country will face, not just from a public health side. >> reporter: in massachusetts, this convention center converted to a field hospital for more than 200 covid patients may be full by the end of the month.

and there's a partial shutdown as michigan nears its end, there is still immeasurable loss. >> the world is a little less right now. >> reporter: brandy boyd lost both of her parents to the virus three months ago, just three days apart. >> people are losing money and their livelihoods, but, you know, i would give up my home to have my mom and dad back. >> reporter: now states are looking for tighten restrictions in hopes of suppressing another surge. >> miguel, we approach the holidays, huge season, lots of travel, lots of get-togethers. what are health officials saying? >> reporter: well, the warnings are similar just like they were over thanksgiving. authorities are worried about a surge on top of the current surge. for christmas, they are begging people please stay home to help curb the spread. meantime the eyes of the world are on the united kingdom this week where people are set to receive the first doses of a coronavirus vaccine. keir simmons is in london with a closer look.

hi, keir, good morning. >> reporter: hey, hoda, good morning to you. this is one of the hospitals that will begin vaccinations within 24 hours. what a moment that will be. this is the hospital where the british prime minister was treated when he was struck with the coronavirus. now the uk's vaccination program may have lessons for you guys there in the u.s carefully carried inside, box after box, unsealed and gently placed in freezers, locked for security britain's first wave of coronavirus vaccinations is under way. >> we are amongst the first in the country to actually receive the vaccine and i'm so proud. >> reporter: over the weekend, tens of thousands of pfizer doses kept in rows of freezers at a secure location. >> this feels like the beginning of the end. >> reporter: according to documents seen by nbc news, 50 hospitals across the uk are receiving less than a thousand doses each first in line, health care workers and people over 80 who can make their own way

a week later more batches of 975 doses will be delivered at nearly 94 degrees below zero to a larger network of local doctors. then a race against time once the pfizer vaccine is no longer in deep freeze, it has to be used within five days >> the two things unique are speed and scale. the people that do this job know how to do it very, very well and securely. >> reporter: the scale is unprecedented. the uk vaccinates just over 10 million people for flu in winter britain has bought 40 million doses of just the pfizer vaccine, enough for 20 million people british officials emphasizing the rollout will take time one warning this is a marathon, not a sprint while the world health organization worries people will relax too quickly. >> vaccines do not equal zero covid. >> reporter: this morning the british national health service

says these are the vaccination certificates that will be issued the government insisting they will not become immunity passports. >> so, keir, i guess the question is how quickly will we see if the vaccine has an impact how long do we have to wait to see the numbers go down? >> reporter: well, the chief science advisor to operation warp speed over there, hoda, saying that he expects emergency authorization of the vaccine there by the fda by thursday, and he is predicting a significant decrease in deaths among the nation's elderly and high-risk populations there by the end of january hoda, what we're finding here, though, is what they call the last mile, the last stage of vaccinations that is the real challenge. trying to get these out to rural, remote areas, small numbers of doses and get the patients there on time that is where the real challenge comes, hoda. >> keir simmons, thank you.

also this morning there is a new case of the virus among president trump's inner circle his personal lawyer, rudy giuliani, has tested positive and is in the hospital this morning. and there's concern now for the folks he's interacted with in recent days while traveling across the country, often without a mask hallie jackson is on the story for us hallie, good morning. >> reporter: savannah, good morning. i'm told by a source familiar with the diagnosis that rudy giuliani is at a hospital here in the d.c. area with mild symptoms so far. the trump campaign says contact tracing is happening, but that that list does not include legislators in any state as the arizona legislature closes reportedly out of precaution giuliani is the latest member of the president's inner circle to test positive. not a legal obstacle but a medical one. former new york city mayor rudy giuliani hospitalized after testing positive for the coronavirus, saying overnight

he's getting great care and feeling good, recovering quickly and keeping up with everything the 76-year-old has flouted guidelines from public health officials, appearing repeatedly without a mask and taking a high-profile trip to several states. >> would you be comfortable taking your mask off >> reporter: the campaign saying he tested negative twice before the travel and didn't test positive or experience any symptoms until after he returned the trump campaign pledging giuliani's diagnosis will not stop its legal fight, which is failing to overturn the election they're focus now on georgia, pushing a pressure campaign to overturn joe biden's win there, demanding georgia's governor call a special session of the legislature to flip the results. the state's gop leaders say that's a dead end with pushback from the president's own party. >> we're going to continue to follow the letter of the law. >> we don't see anything that would overturn it in georgia. >> reporter: saturday president trump was in georgia at his first rally since the election

telling supporters he's consumed by the battle he's waging. >> i probably worked harder in the last three weeks than i've ever worked in my life doing this. >> reporter: that rally, meant to boost support for the republican candidates ahead of two critical runoff races there with control of the u.s. senate at stake overnight two debates and two very different scenes. democratic candidate jon ossoff on stage with an empty lectern after republican incumbent david perdue declined to appear. >> your senator is refusing to answer questions and debate his component because he believes he shouldn't have to. >> reporter: the candidates in the other race face to face with gop senator kelly loeffler up against reverend raphael warnock. >> yes or no, did donald trump lose >> you know, president trump has every right to use every legal recourse available. >> reporter: so for republicans looking at georgia, there are questions now about whether the president's baseless claims of a

stolen election could actually depress turnout for those really important runoffs. democrats are looking at the history of the state, while joe biden filmed it for the first time in nearly three decades in november, georgia voters have not sent a democrat to the senate in something like 20 years. >> there in washington, hallie, some headlines that the attorney general, bill barr, may be considering stepping down before president trump leaves office? what do you know about that? >> reporter: yeah. so there is some reporting this morning that a.g. barr is considering leaving his post before the inauguration. that's according to "the new york times," citing three people familiar with his thinking one of them says barr had been considering leaving even before last week. remember when the president became really unhappy with his a.g. for publicly declaring there was no evidence of widespread fraud that could have affected the outcome of the election the paper says barr has not made a final decision nbc news reached out to the justice department which is declining to comment this morning. savannah. >> hallie, thank you very much. we do have a lot more to get to, including lingering problems from that nasty weekend nor'easter, caused a lot of

damage, power outages up in new england. nbc's kathy park has the very latest hey, kath. >> reporter: hey, hoda, good morning to you much of new england is waking up to a cold start and still seeing the remnants of the first major storm of the season. tens of thousands of customers are still without power and it could be at least three days before that power is restored. here in worcester we had 6 inches of snow but nearby paxton it was over a foot this morning tens of thousands are still without power across the northeast, after the season's first nor'easter swept through blanketing parts of new england with heavy, wet snow the weekend storm bringing over a foot of snow to parts of new hampshire, maine and massachusetts, leaving millions under winter storm alerts. officials urging residents to stay home and avoid travel

in coastal massachusetts, near hurricane-strength wind gusts up to 70 miles per hour creating treacherous whiteout conditions in the area. while in rhode island the dangerous mix of rain and snow triggered major accidents on highways a car crashing into the guardrail northbound, with another car veering off the road and into the woods southbound. luckily police say there were no reported injuries from the the wintry mess knocking over trees and downing power lines in connecticut, with slippery roads grounding cars along route 74. now as the storm moves north, the first major nor'easter of the season is expected to deliver a final blow in maine as it makes its way out now, if the temperatures were a tad bit cooler at the start of the storm, the winter weather event could have been a lot worse. right now here in worcester we are hovering at around 25 degrees, so any remaining snow

on the ground froze overnight. and looking ahead, it looks like things are improving but it's going to be pretty chilly the next couple of days so it will be a while before all this melts away >> all right kathy park for us. >> al, that was quite a storm. >> that's right. we were talking about it on friday well, the good news is things are pulling off. we've got some leftover snow up through newfoundland, that's moving away. the next system is this low pressure pushing off the southeastern atlantic coast. we've got some snow through the appalachians, not a big deal but heavy rain moving off the carolina coast and down through central and southern florida this system will be pushing off today. light snow continues for the appalachians and then out of here the next area we're watching, out west we have red flag warnings in the northern part of california through today, through tuesday from santa maria all the way down to escondido. we're talking about the risk of high winds, low humidity, and those wind gusts could be up to 60 miles per hour today and that stretches right on into tomorrow

with those wind gusts upwards of 30 miles per hour. the rest of the country, again, out west plenty of sunshine especially into the pacific northwest. beautiful day from the central plains all the way down to texas. again, those few showers in the mid-atlantic states. heavier rain down through florida. gorgeous day from the great lakes all the way to the northeast. we'll get to your local forecast coming up in the next 30 seconds. ng gets in the way of their holiday. you work hard, switching to metro isn't. this season, there's zero fees to switch. get our lowest price on unlimited. just twenty-five bucks a line for four lines. plus four free galaxy phones. metro. empowering hector to rule his holiday. good morning. i'm meteorologist kari hall. taking a look at our red flag warning, our high fire danger continues through 5:00 today

especially for our north bay mountains where we could see those wind gusts continuing to reach near 60 miles per hour with some low humidity. going through the forecast our winds calmed down. we'll have my high wind event possible wednesday night through thursday morning. the fire danger continues at least through the end of the week. >> and that is your latest weather. guys. >> all right, al, thank you. just ahead, perhaps some answers to this years-long mystery. andrea mitchell with exclusive details on a new report revealing what may have sickened dozens of u.s. diplomats living overseas one of them, a cia officer, sharing his story exclusively. >> you know, it was a night i will never forget, particularly i think about all the times in war zones where i've been shot at or rocketed this was by far, though, the scariest night of my life. >> the effects he says he is still feeling to this day and what may be behind it. plus, new season, new safety

measures how the nba is handling coronavirus cases and concerns as teams practice for the first time outside of the league's

coming up, a royal train tour. >> we'll hear from the duke and dutchess of cambridge as they embark on a special mission to boost the spirits of front-line workers. but first, take a look at your local news and weather this year you got it done. now walmart can help check off your gift list with free curbside pickup, fast delivery from your walmart store, or gifts shipped right to your door. let's end the year celebrating. ♪

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walmart makes it easy with groceries, gadgets, and soo much icing. let's end the year deliciously. ♪ a very good morning to you. it is 7:26. i'm laura garcia. here is a look at today's top stories including much of the bay area dealing with tight new covid restrictions. >> reporter: i'm cierra johnson in san francisco. right now five bay area counties will be under that tighter restriction, those restrictions really hitting the restaurant business hard. there will be no more indoor or outdoor dining inside counties. some other changes, museums, zoos, and movie theaters will be closing their doors as well as barber shops and hair salons. as far as schools, if you're already doing in-person learning you're allowed to continue as long as you follow those safety protocols. >> reporter: i'm bob redell in

dublin. the national weather service extended its red flag warning until 5:00 tonight. it's extremely unusual, very rare for us to be even in this sort of condition in the month of december. typically when the fire danger has already passed. but forecasters are expecting wind gusts anywhere from 40 to 60 miles an hour in the upper elevations here in the east bay, the north bay, parts of the peninsula and santa cruz mountains. a rare occurrence to be under this fire danger warning right now. how long are these winds going to stick around, kari? we're expecting the winds mostly through this morning, but it will be expiring at 5:00 if the winds calm down later on today. we also will have some high breakers near the coastline. we could see some of those waves reaching over 25 feet as those winds drive in the high waves making it very unpredictable. looking at dry weather continuing through the end of

the week. a fire danger continues for wednesday into thursday. laura? all right. we'll watch out for that and will be back with another local news update in half an hour. to all the businesses that helped us make it through 2020... thank you for going the extra mile... and for the extra pump of caramel. thank you for the good food... and the good karma. thank you for all the deliveries... especially this one. you've reminded us that no matter what,

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let's take a look at the nfc let's take a look at the nfc east coming into today it was the giants and washington, they were both tied at 4-7 atop that division. with the win the giants to 5-7 you see the playoff probability jumps from 1 in 3 to 45% for the giants and that number, by the way, could grow soon >> i mean what's happening there? >> okay, we knew that kornacki could break down the electoral map, but nobody told us that he was also this good when it came to the nfl playoff odds. kornacki can do it all what is happening here >> a star is born, okay? we love it

that was steve kornacki's nbc "football night in america" debut. i have to believe it's not the last time they call on him and you know what? >> what? >> keep it real, kornacki. he was in his kornacki khakis. i'm not going to change my look. >> and when you try to attaboy him about the sexiest man alive, he deflects. no, not me. >> keep it up. good work, nfl and nbc i love that. great guy and smart guy and could not find a better guy. keep it up, nfl. lawmakers said to be closing in this morning on a $908 billion pandemic relief bill, that stimulus package would provide roughly $300 in extra weekly unemployment benefits funding that's scheduled to expire for 13 million people the day after christmas. >> christmas is approaching. we cannot have a heartless cutoff of these benefits >> the bill would also provide funding for vaccine distribution as well as relief for airlines, local governments and small businesses

it would not, however, include another round of $1,200 stimulus checks. a surfer is recovering after a rare shark attack off the oregon coast it happened in seaside on sunday when first responders arrived, they found other surfers had pulled the injured man out of the water. an off-duty lifeguard was able to apply a tourniquet to his leg to stop the bleeding his injuries not life threatening. shark attacks off the oregon coast are uncommon in fact this was the first incident this year. back to the nfl, kansas city defending super bowl champions got off to a slow start but came through at the end on sunday travis kelce night football >> free play and caught! into the end zone. touchdown, travis kelsey. >> patrick mahomes finds travis kelce for that 20-yard touchdown.

the chiefs take the lead and hold on to beat the broncos 22-16. let's move on to a mystery we've been following for years scores of u.s. diplomats and cia officers in cuba and china sickened by a mysterious illness. >> and now a year-long investigation commissioned by the state department may have finally uncovered the likely cause. nbc's andrea mitchell with the details this morning and an exclusive interview with a veteran cia officer whose career was cut short. andrea, good morning >> good morning, savannah and hoda dozens of u.s. diplomats posted around the world have struggled with these mysterious symptoms and sometimes traumatic brain injuries now after a year-long study, experts at the national academies of sciences point to what they believe is the most likely cause, directed pulsed microwave energy one leading senator says a russian-made weapon could be to blame. cia as an operative, in this man spent decades in the

cia as a covert operative in afghanistan, iraq chasing terrorists across the middle east. one night in a moscow hotel room in 2017 was like no other. >> i think about all the times in war zones where i've been shot at or rocketed. this was by far, though, the scariest night of my life. >> at the time, the number two official for clandestine operation throughout europe said he woke up suddenly with a sense of vertigo. >> i was falling over in my room i thought i was going to vomit i was incredibly nauseous and i had incredible ringing in my ears, and i knew that something was really wrong with me. >> the episode just the start of debilitating symptoms that upended his life similar to scores of other cases reported by american diplomats and spies that began in 2016 in havana and then hit american officials in china and have since been reported by cia officers in other countries. what could be the cause? after a year-long investigation, 19 top experts from the national academy of sciences conclude the most likely explanation,

directed, pulsed microwave energy, consistent with the directed radio frequency energy attack. >> this is not a cell phone, this is not what you see from a microwave oven this is a particular unusual way of delivering microwave energy. stanford professor david railman, chairman of the study delivered the results to the committee. >> we have neurologists on our committee that said afterwards, in my entire career of reading about countless, hundreds and thousands of cases of neurologic injury, i've never heard of something like this. >> this is really unique in the medical literature >> it is >> new hampshire senator jeanne shaheen has been fighting for medical benefits for the victims. >> i fear that what we have seen to date is not going to end. we're going to see more of these kinds of attacks in the future and we need to be prepared for them >> and what countries have developed this kind of technology in the past >> well, we know russia has it >> russia has denied any involvement in the incidents

the state department kept the report secret for months, even from congress, until a bipartisan group of senators demanded to see it a state department spokesperson says the investigation is ongoing and each possible cause remains speculative. not to mark, suffering from debilitating migraines for the last three years and why would the russians want to target you? >> i was in charge or one of several officers in charge of overseeing our efforts against them. >> reluctantly after 26 years with the cia he resigned last year at the age of 50. >> we have to find out who did this i'd like to see a robust investigation by our intelligence services and others to see who was culpable. certainly the russians are probably the prime suspect but we can't allow anybody who's doing this to continue on. >> andrea, this is so shocking and disturbing i remember when those mysterious attacks first surfaced have there been any more

suspected incidents since that study began? >> in fact, savannah, there have been at least five new cases that we know of. cases like mark's involving cia officers have been reported in the last year or so. these were in various different places, east asia, poland, london a source with direct knowledge is telling nbc news about this and also says that the cia using mobile phone location data determined that russian agents who had worked on microwave weapons were also in those same cities at the same time. this is not conclusive, it's just a lead. the cia telling nbc news if there were credible intelligence that an adversary were harming an officer, the director of the cia would act swiftly. mark has been accepted -- the cia has approved this, treatment at walter reed starting next month. >> that is very disturbing. thank you for the update, andrea.

really appreciate it. coming up next, the nba's no-bubble trouble. how the league is handling dozens of positive covid cases as teams begin preparing for the new season, coming up right after this ...because previously when we've done this, we've had to send out forms and have them back and things like that for the kids, how do we do that... ♪we are young, we run green ♪keep our teeth, nice and clean ♪see our friends, see the sights♪ ♪feel alright ♪we wake up, we go out ♪see our friends, see the sights,♪ ♪feel alright

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tested positive for the virus. this morning just eight weeks after lebron james and the l.a. lakers clinched the 2020 nba championship, the league is trying to rebound from the success of the bubble in orlando with a new season and new rules to protect players from the pandemic. >> you just come and go home we don't talk about anything else besides our families now. it's a different time. >> reporter: the first preseason game is set for this friday, and this time there's no bubble. 30 teams will play, traveling to major cities nationwide, likely increasing the risk of exposure to the virus in the first round of leaguewide testing, 48 players out of 546 tested positive for covid. nearly a 9% rate among players chicago bulls guard garrett temple said sunday he tested positive just over a week ago after gathering with family for thanksgiving he's currently quarantined. >> you know, we have to be smart

about who we're around but honestly about wearing a face mask. >> this is a completely different world that we're entering into. it's not a closed off, restricted bubble environment. >> reporter: according to a 158-page memo obtained by nbc news, new safety protocols include prohibiting team personnel and players from going to bars, clubs, gyms, and social gatherings with more than 15 people traveling teams will be limited to 45 people, including 17 players. and similar to last season, an anonymous tip line will be available to report violations >> the nba is trying to find a way along with the players to find a balance in terms of allowing these guys to have some flexibility but also understand that we're in the middle of a pandemic. >> reporter: the portland trail blazers closed its practice facility after three positive test results in the last four days pleasure like karl-anthony towns of the minnesota timberwolves

planning to follow protocols after losing seven family members to covid including his mother. >> i've seen a lot of coffins in the last seven months. >> oh, that is devastating so, steph, the question is if players do not follow the rules, what kind of penalties could they face? >> reporter: well, you know, hoda, professional sports leagues have learned that these penalties need to have some teeth and these potentially do on top of fines, players could be suspended and teams could have to forfeit games and potentially lose draft picks that could be painful. hoda. >> all right, stephanie gosk for us steph, thanks. let's switch gears al has his eye on something. what have you got your eye on? >> what are you looking at >> let's show you what i've got my eye on. we're looking at temperatures depending on where you are going to be nice and warm. rapid city 62 degrees today, 22 degrees above average. abilene 6 degrees above average. here in the east, tomorrow we continue to have cooler than average temperatures from are philly, lexington, jacksonville.

madison, wisconsin, 42 houston 68 midland, texas, 69 degrees that's 10 degrees above average. as we head into later this week, chicago, you're going to see temperatures above 50 degrees. jonesboro, temperatures in the mid-60s. temperatures start to warm up here in the east as well for today dry and windy out west, a mild day in the mid-plains look for a few showers in the mid-atlantic states. moving into tomorrow we have beautiful weather throughout much of the country. and in the central plains we are going to be looking at upper highs in the upper 50s to mid to upper 60s. good morning. i'm meteorologist kari hall. a red flag warning continues. this will be in effect through 5:00. that means we'll have a high fire danger today due to high winds and those gusts could reach over 60 miles per hour. we'll also have some very low humidity as our temperatures head towards the 60s today. it will be a very nice and sunny day but very windy at times and we'll also have another round of the potential of a high fire

danger between wednesday night and thursday. >> and that's your latest weather. guys >> all right, al, thank you. coming up next, guys, the duke and dutchess of cambridge heading out to spread some much-needed holiday cheer. >> we're live in kensington palace for the overnight kickoff of a royal train tour, right after this or psoriatic arthritis, little things can become your big moment. that's why there's otezla. otezla is not an injection or a cream. it's a pill that treats differently. for psoriasis, 75% clearer skin is achievable, with reduced redness, thickness, and scaliness of plaques. for psoriatic arthritis, otezla is proven to reduce joint swelling, tenderness, and pain. and the otezla prescribing information has no requirement for routine lab monitoring. don't use if you're allergic to otezla. it may cause severe diarrhea, nausea, or vomiting. otezla is associated with an increased risk of depression. tell your doctor if you have

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sheinelle joins us a new mission launched by the royal family overnight to make the holiday season brighter. >> the duke and dutchess of cambridge using the queen's royal train for a special tour to thank the workers on the front lines of the pandemic. nbc's sarah harman is in kensington with the latest. good morning. >> good morning, hoda. will and kate have been carrying out most of their engagements this year behind a screen on zoom, so it's an encouraging sign to see them back out in public they're making ten stops in three days as they say a socially distanced thank you to the workers who are keeping this country going during the pandemic. >> reporter: all aboard! prince william and kate, the dutchess of cambridge, enjoying a musical send-off from the station. and leaving an encouraging note for transit workers before kicking off a whirlwind three-day tour across england,

scotland and wales their first stop, edinburgh. that is where they met with covid first responders and kate is finally receiving a royal perk that the queen extended to train. it's one of those things it's the queen normally gets to meghan, the duchess of sussex. >> kate has been a member of the royal family for almost a decade now, but this is her first time on the train why? >> well, it's usual for william and kate to go on the royal train. it's one of those things it's the queen normally gets to use first but she doesn't travel that much anymore. >> reporter: royal though it may be, photos reveal the inside of the train is actually quite basic. >> they're not quite as lavish as you expect it to be but plenty of room better than traveling in coach class for the rest of us. >> reporter: unlike past tours where crowds are encouraged, the stops along this 1,250-mile journey are being kept tightly under wraps, and masks and social distancing are a must the tour taking place as the uk

begins rolling out the pfizer vaccine on tuesday, with those over 80 among the first in line. this morning, questions of whether the 94-year-old queen will be among them. buckingham palace is declining to comment on private medical decisions. but royal watchers say if she does get the vaccine, she'll wait in line just like everybody else this morning it's been widely reported in the british press that will and kate could end this tour in windsor where they would meet with the queen, charles and camilla for a public display of royal unity >> oh, that's great. sarah, that's great n other royal news, netflix officially addressing the calls to add a fiction disclaimer to the series "the crown." does that appear likely? >> reporter: so, hoda, they're saying they're not going to do it this is after the british culture secretary asked them to put a fiction label on each and every episode. netflix says they see no reason to do that hoda, if that's not a teaser for

season five, i don't know what is back to you. >> i think they just jacked the ratings a little more. sarah, thank you. >> all right still ahead, talk about dedication, it's got to be my favorite story of the day, maybe the week, maybe the year a woman goes into labor during her two-day bar exam pauses, gives birth and then finishes the test. we cannot wait to chat with her live you see there's a happy ending >> how adorable is that. plus we hope j.lo is watching because we're about to talk about her on popstart the well deserved -- the icon and i messed it up. the local news is come up next. jon-jon gets personal. your wayward pinky is grotesque. then a high stakes patty-cake battle royale ends in triumph. you have the upper hands! it's a race to the lowest rate, and so much more.

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with pizza buying. and reindeer flying. and just a little joyful crying. with all your family. and all your friends. first bites. and happy ends. it's all essential. in every way. and together. it makes a holiday. let's end the year with what matters. anna could only imagine a comfortable night's sleep without frequent heartburn waking her up. now, that dream... . ...is her reality. nexium 24hr stops acid before it starts, for all-day, all-night protection. can you imagine 24 hours without heartburn? a very good morning to you. it is 7:56. i'm laura garcia. here is a look at what's happening now. >> reporter: i'm cierra johnson in san francisco. right now five bay area counties are going to be enduring those tighter restrictions. some of the biggest are for the restaurant business. right now there is no more indoor or outdoor dining. so it's just delivery or

carryout. some other changes, hair and beauty and barber salons will be required along with museums, zoos, and family entertainment centers. doing in-person learning, you're allowed to continue as long as you follow those safety protocols. good morning, everyone. i'm scott mcgrew. we should get more details on what democrats and republicans have agreed to in congress as far as a coronavirus relief bill goes, the president has not commented whether he will sign it. we should get more detail today. a rare december red flag warning for the bay area. meteorologist kari hall is tracking the conditions for us. it's been so dry and now we're getting some high winds and higher elevations along with very low humidity as we track what's going on right now. we're still getting those high guests in parts of the north bay and we're going to see our winds gradually calming down later this afternoon as our

temperatures reach into the 60s, there's still no rain in the forecast throughout the week. laura? all right, could use the rain as well. thanks so much, kari. thank you for joining us as well. another local news update is coming up in half an hour.

it's 8:00 on "today." coming up, stay home. california becomes the latest state to issue tighter restrictions as coronavirus cases spike across the country. >> we need to do everything we can to stem the tide. >> this morning, the latest on the rising numbers as the first shipment of a vaccine arrives at hospitals in the uk. so when will we see the vaccine here at home? we're live with everything you need to know. plus, remembering david lander. we'll take a look back at the life and legacy of the actor who played squiggy.

>> hello. >> as fellow stars and fans say good-bye to the man who shined a spotlight on his battle with multiple sclerosis. and signed, sealed and delivered. the incredible story of how a pregnant woman finished the bar exam while in labor. >> i like felt something, like a pop almost, and i was like that would be really inconvenient if my water just broke. >> she'll join us live to tell us how she did it and share some good news we cannot wait for you to hear. today's monday, december 7th, 2020. >> hey, "today." >> we're from -- >> kalamazoo, michigan! >> we want to thank all our teachers at our elementary school. >> thank you for all you do. >> a nurse in minnesota. >> we love you, aunt molly. >> we love you too aunt molly. >> good morning, everyone, we're

so glad you've got your day and your week with us. craig has the morning off. >> hopefully he'll be back a little later this week. let's get right to it. the news at 8:00. the nation's most populous state is now under one of the country's most severe coronavirus lockdowns. nbc national correspondent miguel almaguer is in los angeles with the three things to watch. miguel, good morning. >> reporter: savannah, good morning. there's certainly some good news and some bad news across california. we'll start with the bad. more than 10,000 people are hospitalized with covid, a record. los angeles remains by far the largest hot spot because cases are spiking. the icu capacity is below 15%. much of northern, central and southern california is back in a lockdown today. that means 33 million residents have been told to stay home unless it's absolutely critical to leave. personal services like nail and hair salons are shuttered again, even grocery store capacity is being capped at 20%. it comes as top doctors warn that the situation is likely going to get worse before it gets better.

>> this is not just the worst public health event, this is the worst event that this country will face, not just from a public health side. >> reporter: as mentioned, there is some good news. today in britain, health care providers are gearing up to distribute the first doses of pfizer's vaccine. they expect to have millions of doses rolled out in the coming days. here at home, pfizer's vaccine could be approved for emergency use as early as this week. savannah. >> all right, miguel, thank you. president-elect joe biden has nominated california attorney general javier becerra to serve as secretary of health and human services. if confirmed the former democratic congressman would be the first latino to head the department. he would play a major role in the nation's coronavirus response. in california he worked to protect access to health care and new covid-19 treatments during the pandemic. this morning fans are remembering actor david lander, best known of course as squiggy,

the upstairs neighbor on "lavern & shirley." the 73-year-old died friday night from complications from multiple sclerosis, and more from joe fryer. >> reporter: for many, lavern and shirley's world would not have been complete without lenny and squiggy. >> hello. >> reporter: david lander, who played andrew squigman was the smaller half of lenny and skwiggy and two lovable laughers from upstairs and the neighbors who played on the hit '70s sitcom. >> there is no reason on earth why prince charming cannot walk through our front door. >> hello. >> reporter: the show ran eight seasons on abc from 1976 to '83, making lenny and squiggy

household names, creating a cult following, spawning a line of squiggy dogs, lunch boxes, even an album. ♪ night after night ♪ but only for a while ♪ i try to find me someone new >> reporter: while he was a character -- >> he's based on a real person, as is lenny. both michael and lenny did not like the people they were pacing it on. >> reporter: lander amassed 120 movie and tv credits he is best known for raising money for multiple sclerosis research. he was diagnosed in 1994, but kept it a secret until 1999 fearing that he would be rejected by hollywood. >> i told my wife let's keep it a secret or lie about it or be in denial. in the dark days when i was diagnosed, there was nothing you could do about it. >> reporter: across hollywood, lander is remembered warmly. henry winkler tweeted david, rest soundly, you have earned your peace the man who played lenny posted this photo of the duo tweeting this is a loss shared by all of us

if he made you laugh, he was your friend too. david's family says they hope his fans will remember him for all the laughter he brought into the world. that shouldn't be hard at all. for "today," joe fryer, nbc news >> he was so special just watching those old clips, we were just giggling still. >> his timing was impeccable. >> and he did a lot of good work as well. >> he sure did. let us get a morning boost. >> i've gotcha here we go. few people work hard they are time of year than the drivers who deliver your holiday packages, so here's how one of them likes to unwind ♪ ♪ i just want you for my own >> he is rocking out to mariah carey, "all i want for christmas is you." putting on a little show on his

lunch break. get this, this is how mariah who saw this wrote "this is how i want all of my packages must be delivered from now on. i bet he freaked when he saw that mariah responded. coming up next, a proud new mom and a new lawyer meet the force of nature who went into labor in the middle of her bar exam, had the baby, and then finished the test from a hospital room. yes, that happened, right after this t-minus 10 seconds... ... to crispy fluffy eggo homestyle waffles.

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we are back. it's coming up on 8:12 and you are about to hear our favorite story of the morning i think we can safely say. >> the year, favorite story of the year. as you know, childbirth can be one of the most strenuous oar deals in a woman's life. for many people, taking the bar exam is a close second. well, get this, back in october, brianna hill did both at the same time. she is with us live. before we hear this story, let's find out how it all went down. >> cassius philip is an adorable 2-month-old. she was prepping for the bar exam when we are back. it's coming up on 8:12 and you are about to hear our favorite story of the morning i think we can safely say. >> the year, favorite story of the year

as you know, childbirth can be one of the most strenuous oar deals in a woman's life. for many people, taking the bar exam is a close second well, get this, back in october, brianna hill did both at the same time. she is with us live. before we hear this story, let's find out how it all went down. >> cassius philip is an adorable 2-month-old. she was prepping for the bar exam when covid moved the june test to october. >> we didn't have the bag packed we didn't have anything because he's not coming until after the 6th of october. >> just one hour into it, her two milestones collided. >> i was sitting taking it and i thought i kind of -- i felt something like a pop almost. i was like that would be really inconvenient if my water just broke. >> because getting up during the virtual exam would have broken the rules against cheating, she stayed until she finished part one. she called her family and midwife and then made an even gutsier decision, to keep going. >> my midwife was very assuring saying you have time so i grabbed a bunch of towels and put them on my chair and sat on the towels and then continued to take the second part of the exam after the break. >> she managed to write several essays for the afternoon session while having contractions and

then raced to the hospital where cassius was born just a few hours later. the very next morning, brianna did not let lack of sleep or anemia slow her down she took day two of the exam in the hospital, while her newborn son was going through his postnatal tests. >> they showed me the room where they had set up where they had a "do not enter" sign and all that i got all set up in that room and took the first part and my husband brought the baby to me and i fed him. and then i took the second part and i was done >> i mean, let's bring in brianna who's got even more good news to share with us. brianna, good morning! >> good morning. >> let's see that little bundle of joy your bar card! you passed the bar >> i did, yes. i just found out this week >> is it hanging on your tree?

oh, i thought -- oh, i thought the bar card was on the tree oh, there's the babe there's cassius. oh, my goodness. hello, baby boy. your mommy is amazing. >> say hi. >> your mommy is a superhero brianna, before we get to the whole story, how did you feel? i don't know how they even do it anymore. you don't get a letter, you get online, you look, there's your name, you passed the bar what was that moment like? >> i -- i could not believe it the past few months i had only been telling myself i had passed because i couldn't let myself go down the road of i hadn't. but just opening up the email and seeing congratulations, i mean i started crying, my husband started crying, cassius was very confused by all the crying >> we want to get inside your brain because there was a point there obviously, a couple of points, when you said your water broke and you were just sitting there and decided to keep going. what was it inside you that

didn't say to yourself, you know what, maybe i could take a pause, i'll call them, i'll ask if i can take it at a later date why did you decide in that moment that you were going to go through with it? >> well, i had already had interactions with the examiners where they had told me that i couldn't have accommodations -- like bathroom breaks and so i was very skeptical that they were going to be very understanding. and then also i had just worked so hard for three years to get to this point and i had had so many job interviews and been rejected because i wasn't barred yet. i finally had gotten a job and i wasn't willing to risk this dream job that i had just landed and i wanted to meet my goals. >> i mean i just can't even wrap my head around what you did, okay, because having a baby is very distracting and this is a two-day exam and you're having contractions that's thing one, trying to write those essays

and then you go to the hospital. you have the baby and you still have to do the next day's test like -- how are you supposed to -- it's all my memory you have to memory ten elements of this or that law. how did you do that? how did you keep your concentration? >> well, i had actually been having preterm labor since 25 weeks so i had been studying with contractions. so it was actually kind of a little bit of a blessing in disguise and then, you know, having a baby really puts the bar exam into perspective it really makes you realize that this is not the end of the world. the end of the world is not having a successful labor and delivery, so i was just like, you know what, i've just got to get through this and trust my memory and trust all my hard work that i have been doing the past four months. >> i can only imagine what the doctors and nurses were thinking i'll be right back, let me go

ahead and take the bar i mean what was the reaction of the folks around you >> it was really beautiful actually pretty much all women that i was working with and they were so positive, encouraging, and wanted me as a mom, as another woman to reach my career goals and so they all kind of rallied around me. they came up with like plans a, b and c for how i could possibly finish this exam and it was so beautiful and i'm so thankful for everyone who worked really hard to help me do this. >> well, you are incredible, cassius is going to grow up hearing this story and know my mom is incredible. congratulations, times two i mean this is just -- it's just wonderful. your determination is epic we're proud of you. >> thank you so much. >> thanks. night night, cassius >> good night, sweet baby. >> thank you, hon. all right, wow. >> i love her. i'm in love with her. eight minutes past the hour. how about a check of the weather? >> i feel like such a slacker, i really do.

talk about multi tasking all right, so a few showers today in the mid-atlantic states dry and windy out west, mild day in the midsection of the country. we are watching a storm friday, rain for the south, snow with colder air in the north from minneapolis into the u.p. of michigan as we move into saturday, rain will be reaching the east coast. potential for snow as you get into the midwest and south of minneapolis who will be watching this system moving to the east >> good morning. i'm meteorologist kari hall. we are under a red flag warning that will continue until 5:00 today, meaning a high fire danger as we're still getting high wind gusts in some of our upper elevations, especially in the north bay. very dry vegetation. we're going to have another round of high winds between wednesday night and thursday and our temperatures are going to reach into the 60s. morning starts will be in the upper 30s. and we're not looking at any rain through the next several days.

>> i've got to tell you, the best part of the pandemic is pandemic you guys. >> really? >> it's just fantastic >> thank you. >> thank you, al >> miss jones, you got a little popstart while carson is off >> good morning. we have some good stuff for you. first up, jennifer lopez the year is winding down, but she isn't finished just yet. you'd think performing at the super bowl would be the biggest thing j.lo did in 2020, but no she's released new music with meluma, has been working on a number of new movies and this week is receiving the billboard women in music icon award. all of this comes hot off the heels of her just released single "in the morning" and the song is a hit. the cover is also getting quite a bit of attention we added those red bands savannah, you have something to do with this, right?

>> no. >> what? >> i was thinking about -- you know hoda has j.lo's number. can you call her can we call her? >> will she answer >> no, she won't okay, hold on. >> don't we all wish we could dig out our cell phone. >> look how she actually has the number. >> you're taking too long, i'll call her. >> i've got it ringing. >> are we really doing this? >> it sounds like facetime >> here? >> what? >> yes she is here! it's amazing >> oh, my gosh >> it's the year of jennifer lopez. what are you doing >> you can't get rid of me hoda, i'll always be on speed dial >> impressive. >> wow this has been an incredible year, though, you guys i can't wait to see the movie with you and meluma.

that one is steamy hot, yeah >> you're in that one, that's why. >> i do have a little cameo in that one >> wait, what? >> yeah, five seconds, but they didn't cut me out, i heard. >> jennifer, how are you -- how are you doing all this stuff it's like every time we turn around, you've got a new hit song, the picture is incredible, you look amazing how's everything. >> thank you you know, i'm just sitting at home so i just get busy. you know me, i can't sit still, so i just decided to put out my skin care line and i'll release a new record in december why not. >> i want the skin care line desperately. if it results in what we are looking at, we will take a lot of it. >> actually it's available tomorrow you can have the serum and the wonder cream is up on the website tomorrow and then we actually launch january 1st, 2021, new year

so i'm excited about that. i am excited about the new year. >> what is it like to receive an icon award, because that is not something that we can all receive, you know? >> you know, music, because i started as a dancer, is my first love and to be able to be recognized after so many years in the business and to have a new record out right now and being recognized in that way is such an honor it so blows me away after all these years. i'm super excited about it i don't know what to say really, really humbled and grateful. >> well, you know, so many cool things happen in your life the other thing happened in your life actually happened to your daughter she wrote a children's book. i've seen you proud of things you've done but i don't think i've seen you prouder than when you were sitting next to her and she was talking about that book. that kind of just told me everything. >> i know. she's just, you know, both of them, they're my pride and joy and anything -- just the fact

that she wanted to kind of share the gift of prayer with other children, that she wanted to save the flock, you know i'm like, wow. just a better version of you you know how your kids are, they're like a better version of yourself it's an amazing thing to just watch her grow up and become her own little person. >> and how's your love life? how's mr. a-rod? >> he's good he's sleeping right now. >> i'm going call him. >> i know, i know. nobody works more than he does he kind of is the fuel underneath my wings these days so he's doing great. and we're just looking forward to the holidays, to christmas and the new year and spending it with the fam and that's it. >> are you going to get to see your mama this christmas or what do you think >> yeah, yeah, yeah. you know, she called me a couple of days ago.

she's actually turning 75. we'll be celebrating this week, so that's a big birthday for her. she was dancing around to my song in the morning. she was being lupe. >> lupe is -- by the way, you've never had a fun dance unless you've danced next to lupe at one of jennifer's concerts jennifer, thank you so much. we love you. >> thanks for taking our call. >> thank you so much for having me >> just a little surprise to you, hoda. >> oh, hugs to you. >> who else can you call >> i'm so happy. straight ahead, we've got some harry smith with a hollywood do-over. we're talking about "the godfather" coming up after this.

good morning to you. i'm marcus washington. the strict new closures in parts of the bay area are impacting not only businesses and restaurants but the legal system. konts ra costa county courts will be closed starting today. that means in-person courtroom and clerk services, jury trials are suspended and anyone called for jury duty before january 11th will not have to report. palo alto fully reopening all downtown streets closed to boost foot traffic and help outdoor dine chicaing which is banned until january. with to-go orders only they're forced to reduce staff to one-third of what it is now. let's get a look of the

forecast for you. red flag warning for us out there today, kari. >> yeah, we're still watching out for that high fire danger that continues until 5:00 today. we've seen some gusty winds around the bay area, especially in our north bay mountains. and some gusty winds also happening along the coastline. look at the difference in the temperatures. we're seeing right now that high winds start to really mix in some of the warmer temperatures so we're in the low 60s in santsa rosa. upper 20s in ukiah. we're going to see those temperatures reaching into the 60s and dry weather throughout the week. marcus? >> thanks, kari. we'll have another local news update coming up in 30 minutes. we'll see you here then. every year, we set out to do one thing:

help the world believe in holiday magic.

and this year was harder than ever. and yet, somehow, you all found a way to pull it off. it's not about the toys or the ornaments but about coming together. santa, santa, you're on mute! just wanted to say thanks. thanks for believing.

we're back, guys 8:30 monday in the morning, 7th day of december of the 2020. we have a lot to get to this half hour. chance for a little >> including the godfather francis ford coppola is taking a chance for a little re-do. harry smith joined the legendary crew for a look behind the scenes. >> also this morning our hearts are heavy going out to our friend, "today" contributor bobbie thomas, who lost her loving husband, michael, far too soon coming up we'll see how she and her family and friends are paying tributes. >> our thoughts and prayers out this them. and then on the third hour,

our ongoing series, coronavirus and the classroom. this morning a firsthand look at how college life on campus and off has changed in the pandemic. >> first, let's get a check of the weather. >> let's look ahead to show you what's happening as far as our week ahead a few showers along the coast. sunshine in the northeast. dry and windy out west with fire danger then as we get into the mid-week period, showers start descending into the pacific northwest widespread warmth in the mid-section of the country friday some snow developing in the rockies, pacific northwest, dry in the east and rain stretching from texas all the way up into the plains with some snow in the central plains >> good morning. i'm meteorologist kari hall. the red flag warning, the high fire danger continues through 5:00 today as we're still looking at some high wind gusts through at least the next several hours and gradually calming down with very low humidity this morning. as we go through the forecast,

it stays dry. and we'll have another chance that we could have another high fire danger by the middle of the week as we head toward the end of the weekend, we could be watching out for our first chance of rain of the month. >> and that is your latest weather. now something that's going to put us in the holiday spirit, coming up wednesday night, nbc is bringing the magic of dr. seuss to life with the musical stage production of "the grinch." starring the talented matthew morrison who's joining us now. matthew, good morning. >> good morning. broadway's own al roker. >> hardly, but thank you, matthew. hey, so when i heard about it, i'm so excited and can't wait for this dr. seuss' the grinch you've done a bunch of stage shows but what was it like when you're being offered this iconic role from animation to the movies with jim carrey what was that feeling for you when you were offered the role

>> terrifying. you know, it's such an iconic character. and this role is one of those roles that you can kind of anything goes and you can be as big and imaginative as possible. after not working for eight months, i was so excited and ready for the task and it was terrifying and thrilling and just liberating all at the same time i had so much fun getting into that green suit every day. >> i was going to say what was it like getting into makeup, into character and into that suit was it physically challenging? >> i lost a lot of weight honestly you know, it was so funny. it follows me everywhere, the grinch it's like whoa, whoa, hold on. excuse me. no, it was three and a half hours to get into the makeup, an hour to take it off and i only had to do that about five times in total because we rehearsed

this like a stage musical for a month just in rehearsal space and then we actually had two days of camera blocking and two days of actual filming. >> what was it like doing this during a pandemic? you were in london, but still in the midst of a pandemic. >> it was so counterintuitive, everything about it. you know, having to wear the masks obviously. nbc was very great about the covid protocols that we all went through. but then we have to maintain the six-feet distance as well. so you're doing a scene and you're putting your arm around someone but they're not actually there, they're six feet away it was very strange. it wasn't until the last week when the masks had to go off and then honestly, it was thrilling as an actor because you were not seeing these people and their expressions really for the first time. so it really felt live and

fresh. >> well, we cannot wait to see it coming up matthew morrison, thanks for joining us we appreciate it >> thank you as always. >> the dr. seuss' the grinch musical wednesday night 8:00/7:00 central right here on nbc. >> that looks good. coming up next, harry smith hangs with the legendary "godfather" crew. >> just when i thought i was out, they pull me back in. >> andy garcia al pacino. >> can you give me the rest of my words for the day, francis. >> i'm having a rush day. >> and francis ford coppola >> and francis ford coppola coming up to talk about a new

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we are back with one of the most influential movie franchises of all time, "the godfather" trilogy. >> combined the three films won nine academy awards. but part 3 is remembered for not quite living up to the hype. >> now it's famed director has given the film a makeover and a

new name >> harry smith got a chance to catch up with the legendary "godfather" crew. francis ford coppola, al pacino and andy garcia. nice assignment, harry >> we had some fun we had some laughs think about coppola, right go back in your movie time machine about 30 years or so he's one of the great directors in america but he had some duds, a series of duds frankly, he said, he needed the money, so paramount studios made him an offer he could not refuse >> i command this family right or wrong. >> a stunning cast, gorgeously shot maestro coppola back at director "the godfather 3" was a movie with issues. >> don coreleon, i need your help. >> there was a mad rush to get what was a pretty big, ambitious, complicated movie

edited in time for christmas, but it was going to be called "part 3" and of course partly that was so there could be a part 4, part 5, part 6, whatever. >> reporter: it had been more than 15 years since the commercial and artistic success of "godfather 2," a masterpiece. and francis ford coppola was not interested in mass production. >> i had never entirely felt comfortable that the godfather tragedy was something that could be peeled off like a series of -- like an adventure story. >> reporter: audiences flocked to the theater but critics were cool to the picture and ice cold to coppola's daughter, sophia, cast as the naive daughter of ay pacino's michael coreleon. >> when some pictures were attacked they just came after this 18-year-old girl and it was very painful to me. i felt that it was sort of unfair. >> reporter: al pacino remembers the rush to get the movie ready

for christmas release. >> i had a meeting with the head of paramount at that time. i thought that i had sort of convinced him that we needed a little more time he said yes, but not quite. i knew it was over. >> reporter: over the years coppola was convinced he could make it better he has cut scenes, rearranged entire sequences. >> all in all, there were about 160 picture changes. there was a new beginning. the scenes were moved around parts of scenes were eliminated and then of course the ending was a little different. >> all my life i wanted out. >> reporter: the new godfather makes clear the futility of michael coreleone's struggle to escape from his family's past. >> we have no interest or investment in anything legit. >> in the next 45 minutes that passed, you really feel you know where you are at all times i want to be in.

every time i think i'm going to get out, they pull me back out. >> reporter: andy garcia played the slick, quick-tempered vincent. the day he auditioned, though, he remembers a roller coaster. >> francis would like you to stay for dinner. so i said great. that's a good thing. and then like five minutes went by he knocked on the door and he said there's been a change of plans, you can go home >> reporter: garcia was in limbo until the next morning. >> you know, i felt good about what i did i felt like i took my shot i went home and the next morning i got a call that francis had offered me the part. >> reporter: for that role garcia won a best supporting actor nomination as for sophia's performance. >> sophia's performance is absolutely soulful and to me i couldn't have asked for a better partner. i felt a great connection with her. >> reporter: there is early agreement the new film is better and for coppola perhaps a sense of atonement. >> has sophia seen the new version? >> she likes the new version better it's very painful for her.

when she was told when she was 18 you ruined your father's movie. that was the tenor of it, and she was just trying to help me. >> reporter: as we wrapped up our conversation, we laughed about some of the most famous lines. >> i'm going to make him an offer you can't refuse. >> keep your friends close, your enemies closer. >> reporter: and then asked al pacino for an encore. >> just when i thought i was out, they pulled me back in. >> just when i thought i was out, they pulled me back in again. not very well delivered. i know the words >> i don't think there's a second again i think it's just when i'm out, they pull me back in. >> that's right. >> good-bye, al. good-bye, andy good-bye, everyone >> see you soon. >> love you guys, see you soon.

>> and what's funny, all those lines, those famous lines, mario puzzo who wrote the book and helped co-write the original movies said those all came from his mother his mother used to say those lines around the house and that's how they ended up in the book. >> harry, only you could get them to redo the lines, twice. >> what situation would his mother have been in, just when i thought i was out, they pulled me back in wow. what is going on there >> there is a story there. >> thank you, harry. >> good to see you all >> by the way, if you want more of that interview, you can go to today.com and the movie debuts tomorrow on blu-ray and gital.di ♪

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we're back al, you have a few birthday wishes for us? >> yes, we do. we'll do it with the help of our friends at smuckers. let's say good morning to landon

meyers of charlottesville, virginia this smiling baby is celebrating his first birthday in just a few months landon will become a big brother. he's going to be excited about that or maybe not miss charlotte brooks lives in chicago. she already has two very special talents, dancing and making funny noises we won't tell you what kind. happy 1st birthday to demi robb. of south lake, tahoe, california. don't let that sweet face fool you, she is always stirring up trouble with her older brother, van. and now to olivia quarrels of walkertown, north carolina. she loves playing, sleeping and eating i'm right with you, olivia jonathan coldman crane is from greenville, south carolina always getting picked up by the ladies and by that we mean his mom, grandma and six sisters. and last but not least, check out this picture happy birthday 1st birthday to carolyn jagard

she loves nothing more than eating spaghetti and watching someone else cleaning up the mess whether you know someone turning 1 or 100, we want to help honor their milestone. head to today.com/celebrates and share their stories and photos guys. >> i love baby day. >> me too. >> thank you. >> we're back in in a land not so far away, people are saving hundreds on the most reliable network with xfinity mobile. they can choose from the latest phones or bring their own. and choose the data option that's right for them. they even get nationwide 5g at no extra cost. and since they are on the carrier rated #1 in customer satisfation, they live happily ever after. again, again! xfinity mobile. your wireless. your rules.

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welcome back as you know, we consider each other family on this show, and when a member of our family experiences loss, we all feel it >> that's right. and so with broken hearts we express our deepest sympathy and condolences, because our friend bobbie thomas, and you know her, our style editor, is grappling with the untimely death of her husband, michael, who was just 42 years old. >> bobbie shared the news

writing in part as i type through tears i embrace gratitude holding on to our precious son, myles, and memories of the time that i did have with michael closer to my broken heart here is more of their story. >> the most gorgeous woman in the world. >> bobbie thomas is here. >> bobbie thomas is beloved by all of us here on "today" and by all of you who welcomed bobbie into your homes for the last 15 years. we have watched and cheered as bobbie grew not only editor but personally. >> with this ring, i thee wed. >> we celebrated as she married michael marion in a picturesque wedding at kathie lee's home in 2013 >> it takes a village to raise children, but to make them too. >> we prayed alongside bobbie as she publicly shared her very personal struggle to conceive. >> share the news? >> so still obviously super early in the process, but so far the news has been great and positive. >> and we rejoiced as she and michael announced after a

months-long journey with ivf that she was in fact expecting. >> what is this baby going to be it's a boy >> it was here on "today" bobbie revealed she was having a little boy, whom she and michael would name myles we watched as bobbie grew into a mother and admired her ability to devote her life to myles while still maintaining her incredible career and her signature style. but it was her love for michael we admired most. >> i mean he's unbelievable. >> the light in her eyes when she spoke about him, the gratitude she displayed for having met him in her late 30s, and the qualities she truly cherished in him, loyalty, honesty, and kindness. we held bobbie's hand as she courageously cared for michael after a stroke in 2019 left him hospitalized for months. it left him with a limited ability to walk unassisted and

prevented him from returning to work as an attorney. it also kept him for caring for young myles the way he wanted to. >> we have a really long road ahead but he's so strong. >> but throughout their journey as challenging as it may have been, it was their unwavering love of each other, support of one another and commitment to their marriage, in sickness and in health, that leaves us in awe. today, less than two years after michael first experienced a stroke, we mourn the loss of his life one taken too soon after he was hospitalized due to medical complications unrelated to his stroke and unrelated to covid-19 at just 42, he made an immeasurable impression on bobbie, on myles, on his friends, family, colleagues and community. it is the kindness, love and selflessness michael displayed even throughout his medical journey bobbie wants us to remember a legacy she hopes will never

dim. >> and that's really tough bobbie is such a tough human being. her parents, her family are on the west coast so they're not able to be close to her but she's been incredibly strong especially for myles. she said that myles is the reason she gets up in the morning. if you're wondering if she thinks of other people, she is to anyone and everyone else struggling and suffering right now, please try to hold on to what you have instead of focusing on what you don't the one thing we all have is kindness absorb it, extend it, exhaust it, because in the end, it is the only thing that matters is love. am so grateful for all of the love that the "today" show has >> she is with michael's shown michael and me over the years. it has meant the world to us they are having services over the next few days for michael. >> she is with michael's family. you know, just seeing that it's like she really -- people

watching feel about her the way we feel about her and she is so beautiful inside and out she's the kindest person michael was incredible, an accomplished lawyer. he just had such a bright future you know, we just -- we love bobbie and we just want to send our prayers and wrap our arms around her i told her we're with her all the way and we'll surround her and myles with love. >> one of the most generous people you'll meet so special. >> in quarantine she was calling me, how are you doing? no, how are you doing? how is your husband doing? she was always calling us and thinking about us even in the midst of all of that, so we love you, bobbie. >> the number of people speaking with michael at the service was unbelievable work colleagues and friends. i don't know, i'd never seen that kind of love come out, but it was beautiful >> we have deep admiration for bobbie we're back with more but first a check of your local news

good morning to you. it's 8:56. i'm marcus washington. new full-time stay-at-home orders are in effect for three bay area counties and they're coming soon for two more. rollbacks went into effect last night for contra costa, santa clara and san francisco counties. meanwhile, alameda county kicks in tonight and tomorrow it's marin.

statewide when it comes to icu beds, two of california's five d designated regions have already hit mass. once it's less than 15% it triggers a regionwide stay-at-home order. we're staying on top of the new closures and digging deeper into how this is impacting the already struggling bay area economy. we'll have that full report during our midday newscast. you can head to our home page right now for complete pandemic coverage. i'm looking at your mri. your shoulder seems to be healing nicely. i'm sorry baby...

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live from studio 1a in rockefeller plaza, this is the third hour of "today." >> good morning, everybody, welcome to "today" on monday, december 7th. i am al here along with sheinelle and dylan. craig is off today but we've got a busy monday morning for you. coming up in just a few minutes we've got a terrific story from our series coronavirus and the classro classroom. a firsthand look at the college experience. students giving us a glimpse at campus life and sharing how they're finding a silver lining. >> that's going to be a good one. i'm interested in that. >> you can have